A pair of fading red-white-and-blue smoke stacks lurking above Philadelphia's Delaware River waterfront have been a familiar sight to Highway 95 commuters for the past 16 years. Peter Knego

Seen here from the Ikea cafe directly across from Pier 82, the once celebrated and historic ship is now an anomaly. Diners frequently ask, "How and why did it end up here? What are they going to do with it?" Peter Knego

That ship, the SS United States, is the largest, fastest and arguably greatest American passenger ship ever built. And it has the sad distinction of being the sole survivor of a once vast and proud fleet of American ocean liners. Peter Knego

After 43 years of neglect in various backwaters from Virginia to Sebastopol, Tuzla (Turkey) and finally, Philadelphia. The ship is now in the hands of The SS United States Conservancy, a dedicated team of preservationists seeking to find it a new home and purpose. Peter Knego

In its heyday, the United States was a familiar sight on the Hudson River, its massive stacks and knife-like bow symbols of American pride. Cunard's Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth and, of course, White Star Line's Titanic, are the only ocean liners that have eclipsed the United States in renown. www.grandlinerlounge.com

The 53,330-gross-ton United States was designed by William Francis Gibbs, America's foremost naval architect. Gibbs created a ship that could be modified with little effort into a Cold War trooper capable of carrying 15,000 soldiers. Fortunately never called into war duty, the United States carried 1,928 passengers in three classes (First, Cabin and Tourist) and 900 crew. Peter Knego collection

United States was ordered in 1950 and completed in 1952 by the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company. The ship was assembled in sections in a graving dock, much as modern cruise ships are built today. For decades, its underwater hull and machinery were considered classified and could not be photographed. Peter Knego

The $78 million dollar liner broke the trans-Atlantic speed record on its July 4, 1952 maiden voyage, achieving an eastbound average speed of 35.59 knots (41 mph). Affectionately nicknamed "The Big U," the vessel could reportedly reach a top speed of 38.3 knots and is shown here on its triumphant arrival in New York harbor. Peter Knego

United States was driven by four screws powered by Westinghouse geared turbines that could produce up to 248,000 horsepower. The ship had two separate engine rooms so that if one were damaged in an attack, the ship could still maintain power. Peter Knego

Although they would be uneconomical to operate by today's standards, the United States' engine rooms remain intact (minus some gauges and small pieces of equipment that were auctioned off in 1984). Peter Knego

Numerous glitterati, from John Wayne and Bob Hope to Elizabeth Taylor and even President Eisenhower crossed on the United States in its heyday. The Navajo Room, which featured genuine Native American sand paintings, was among the ship's most celebrated spaces. Peter Knego collection

Perhaps the most opulent space was the first-class restaurant with its double-deck, domed ceiling and imposing glass-fiber reliefs by Gwen Lux. Although considered austere by many, the ship's interiors, designed by Dorothy Marckwald and composed of fireproof elements of brushed steel, linoleum and etched glass, were years ahead of their time. Peter Knego collection

The airplane, union strikes and high operating costs put an end to the United States career in 1969. The ship was laid up at Newport News, Virginia, where she sat until being sold to Seattle-based developer Richard Hadley in 1978. Peter Knego

A new cruise service was announced and brochures were published but nothing came of the venture. Norwegian Cruise Lines inspected the ship and showed some interest in purchasing it but decided to buy another retired ocean liner, the SS France, which they rebuilt as the SS Norway in 1980. Peter Knego

Meanwhile, the SS United States' cash-strapped owners decided to sell the ship's fittings. In 1984, the old liner was opened up to curious visitors before its interiors were auctioned off. Peter Knego

Thousands of people came to see the ship and rifle through contents that had not been disturbed in over 15 years. Anything and everything that could be unscrewed or pried off was up for grabs. Peter Knego

Stripped of its innards, the United States continued to sit until 1990, when new owners who also intended to refit the ship for cruising, had it towed to Turkey and later the Ukraine for removal of asbestos and other toxic materials. In 1996, it was towed back to the U.S. and berthed at Philadelphia's Packer Marine Terminal. Peter Knego

In 1996, the completely gutted ship was moved to its current location and through the efforts of the now defunct SS United States Foundation and the SS United States Conservancy, "The Big U" was placed on the National Register of Historic Places although nothing came of plans to rebuild the ship. Peter Knego

In 2003, the United States was once again put up for sale Outbidding scrap merchants at the 11th hour, Norwegian Cruise Line bought it in the hopes of rebuilding the ship for their NCL America division. Unfortunately, another vessel was not needed and in 2011, it was once again up for sale. Peter Knego

Although scrappers offered double the price, NCL agreed to sell the United States for $3 million to the Conservancy in March of 2011. Local philanthropist Gerry Lenfest offered to pay 20 months of berthing fees to allow the Conservancy time to work with potential developers on a plan to preserve the ship as a static attraction. Peter Knego

Although the United States looks dishearteningly weathered after spending more than four decades in waiting, the decay is purely cosmetic. NCL did a wide range of hull and superstructure tests which found the ship in remarkably sound condition. And with its asbestos and other toxic materials remediated, the ship is a virtual "clean slate" for repurposing. Peter Knego

Peeling paint and superficial rust aside, the grace and beauty of the ship's architecture is unparalleled. Here is a view from the tip of the bow facing the "layercake" forward superstructure. The United States has a long, tapered bow meant to cut through the many moods of the Atlantic. Peter Knego

Far ahead of its time, the United States was built with an aluminum superstructure that was fused to the steel hull in a special process that averted the corrosive effects of marrying the two incompatible metals. Peter Knego

The futuristic radio mast was also made of aluminum. Now lying at its base, the top portion of the mast had to be cut down so the ship could pass under Philadelphia's Walt Whitman Bridge. Peter Knego

Also made of aluminum, the two massive funnels were intentionally oversized to make the United States instantly recognizable from a distance and to give it an impression of "power and grace," intended by architect William Francis Gibbs. Peter Knego

The shape of the funnels was Gibbs trademark "Sampan" design, combining a teardrop base, square fins and a rounded dome top. The aerodynamic shape combined with the fins helped deflect smoke from the ship's afterdecks. Peter Knego

The aft funnel rises a staggering 55 feet from its base. Peter Knego

Seen from any angle, the United States stacks are the embodiment of sculptural form and architectural function. Peter Knego

From the bridge wing where people like President Eisenhower and John Wayne once stood over a surging Atlantic, the United States, albeit in need of fresh paint, still emanates Gibbs' intended "power and grace." Peter Knego

Tourist Class passengers had their own games deck in a lofty section of Sports Deck between the two stacks. Peter Knego

Unlike today's ships with their glass-enclosed bridge wings, the United States had "open" wings. Imagine being here mid-Atlantic on an icy winter crossing at 30 knots... Peter Knego

All but the graceful shell of the wheelhouse was auctioned off in 1984 or later stripped away in the Ukraine. Peter Knego

An "all weather" enclosed games area is located near the top of the ship on Sports Deck. The aluminum ping-pong table is one of the few original artifacts left on the ship. Peter Knego

In 2012, a banner promoting the efforts of the SS United States Conservancy was draped across the bridge of the ship. Peter Knego

The United States' upper decks are spanned by tiers of graceful, open promenades. Peter Knego

Inside, all but the structural bulkheads have been removed. This is the former captain's quarters on the forward/starboard side of Sports Deck. Peter Knego

Here is another view of Sun Deck where a canopy of aluminum lifeboats and davits was removed in Sebastopol and supposedly melted down for their valuable content. Peter Knego

Here is another view of Sun Deck where a canopy of aluminum lifeboats and davits was removed in Sebastopol and supposedly melted down for their valuable content. Peter Knego

Unlike today's open, one class cruise ships, the United States was a bona-fide liner with three distinct classes. This is one of the spacious first class stairtowers. Peter Knego

Here is a first class stairwell in the ship's heyday when it was adorned with aluminum reliefs. Note the "moderne" recessed lighting and sculpted hand railing. Peter Knego collection

This enclosed space at the forward end of Promenade Deck once housed the Tourist Class Lounge. Peter Knego

The Tourist Class Lounge began an entire suite of public spaces on Promenade Deck. Traditionally, Tourist class was located at the forward end of the ship where movement was most pronounced in rough seas. Peter Knego collection

Now-empty galleries on either side of the Tourist Class Lounge once housed a writing room and a library. Peter Knego

This is the Tourist Class Library as it originally looked. Peter Knego collection

Tourist Class also had its own dedicated Cinema directly aft of the Lounge. Peter Knego

Here is the Tourist Class Cinema from a vintage brochure image. Even the curtains were fireproof. Peter Knego collection

All true trans-Atlantic ocean liners had a glass-enclosed promenade and the United States was no exception. This is the starboard first class promenade in an aft-facing view. Peter Knego

On the promenades, full-length windows provided an optimal sea view, even for those lying in their deck chairs, comfortably sipping bouillon, bundled in traditional wool blankets. Peter Knego

And speaking of deck chairs, United States stylish red aluminum chairs fetch a very high price when they come up for sale. This view of a small gathering of them was taken in 1984, just before everything was auctioned off. Peter Knego

The ship's First Class public rooms were located directly inboard of the promenades on Promenade Deck. Only the shell remains of the Observation Lounge, which was recently used as a set for the upcoming Colin Farrell action flick, "Dead Man Down." The bar was built for the movie and is not an original fixture. Peter Knego

This is the lovely First Class Ballroom in its heyday. The room had a square footprint but looked elliptical thanks to a circular dome and four curved etched glass screens depicting sea life that encompassed the dance floor. Portions of these screens now grace the United States Restaurant on board Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Infinity. Note also the propeller-blade and glass topped tables. Peter Knego collection

On the starboard side of Promenade Deck, just aft of the First Class Ballroom, a now empty gallery once housed the stylish Navajo Room, the ship's most celebrated bar. Two oversized porthole windows still look out onto the starboard promenade. Peter Knego

On the port side, there is a gallery that once housed the exclusive First Class Restaurant, a clubby venue that was preferred by celebrities for its intimacy. Although there was no cover charge, it foreshadowed the extra-tariff, reservations-only restaurants on many of today's cruise ships. Peter Knego

Still easily recognizable by its framework, the Cinema was located at the aft end of Promenade Deck was used alternately by both First and Cabin Class passengers. Peter Knego

Here is the Cinema in its heyday. The iconic and fireproof polka-dot curtains supposedly went with the ship to the Ukraine and never returned. Peter Knego collection

The First Class Smoking Room was directly aft of the Navajo Bar and Restaurant. Peter Knego

Here is a vintage view of the First Class Smoking Room with its plaid curtains and leather arm chairs. Peter Knego collection

Far aft, Promenade Deck continues with open deck space, the forward portion of which was reserved for First Class. Peter Knego

Removed to prevent unnecessary drag on the United States' overseas tow, her four bronze screws were placed on the ship's afterdecks and two have remained there ever since. This one is on aft/port Promenade Deck. Peter Knego

Situated on a slightly elevated platform, this is the Cabin Class games space on aft Promenade Deck. Peter Knego

Back inside the ship on Upper Deck, a few hidden remnants of the United States remain, including the rubberized linoleum on the stairtower landings. Peter Knego

On Upper Deck, large open spaces have been cleared of everything but the ducting, some wiring and the support beams. This is the section where some of the ship's finest First Class suites were located. Peter Knego

With names like The Duck Suite and The Red Suite, these lavish apartments had spacious sitting areas and separate bedrooms. Peter Knego collection

Standard First Class Cabins were also very spacious and well-appointed. This one has twin portholes and a long dresser. Peter Knego collection

Today, this is what remains of a First Class Cabin. Note the imprint where one of those long dressers was once affixed. Peter Knego

Mainly located towards the stern of the ship and perfect for vacationing families on a budget, Cabin Class accommodation was also spacious and well-appointed. Peter Knego collection

And here is a "no frills" Tourist Class cabin, ideal for immigrating families, college students (like a young Bill Clinton who crossed in the United States during the mid-1960s) and those on a budget. Peter Knego collection

Partially sheltered from the elements, Cabin Class had its own dedicated promenade on aft Upper Deck. Peter Knego

Cabin Class had more open space at the very stern of the ship on Upper Deck. Peter Knego

Long-since-removed accommodation and reception areas were located on Main Deck. This is one of the original builder's stencils that was left exposed when the ship was gutted. Peter Knego

Located on forward Main Deck, the Tourist Class Smoking Room still has its original bar in place. Peter Knego

The once magnificent First Class Dining Room is located on midships A Deck. Even its empty framework is impressive. Not the table base mounts in the decking. Peter Knego

Here is a color view of what once was and, with a little effort, what could possibly once again be the First Class Dining Room. Peter Knego collection